Warning: This article contains SPOILERS for Abbott Elementary season 4, episode 18, “Audit."

Although Abbott Elementary’s cast of characters is impressive, but this has not stopped the workplace mockumentary from regularly introducing new additions to its lineup. From Cree Summer’s school librarian Rosalyn to Jerry Minor’s Mr Morton, the sitcom has a bevy of ing stars who reliably elevate every outing of the series.

That said, one recurring guest star stands out as a particularly fun figure. Josh Segarra’s absurdly sincere school district employee Manny initially seemed like a corny, faux-friendly love interest designed to get between Gregory and Janine when he was introduced in season 3’s premiere. However, he instead became a mentor to her and was nothing but friendly to Gregory, much like he won over Barbara Howard by genuinely taking her anger at the district’s inaction to heart and promising to do more.

Manny's Abbott Elementary Season 4, Episode 18 Appearance Explained

Josh Segarra’s District Employee Helped Cover For Abbott’s Staff

Much like Ava’s Abbott Elementary season 4 story proved the titular school’s petty principal had unexpected depth, Manny’s role in the sitcom only gets weirder and more surprising the longer he hangs around. Manny remained an unlikely hero in Abbott Elementary season 4, episode 18, “Audit,” when he warned Janine that the school would be receiving a surprise inspection from the district and gave them time to hide the equipment they secretly bought with bribes from a shady local golf course developer. Sadly, Manny’s intervention wasn’t enough to stop the district from discovering the school’s deception and firing Ava.

While he seemed like a mere cog in Janine and Gregory’s Abbott Elementary love story, Manny ended up proving to be much more than this.

Despite this, I still hope viewers see more from Manny as the series continues. He has proven to be much more than merely Gregory’s romantic rival for Janine. It was a welcome surprise when his role in the district and regret over Janine leaving them for Abbott didn’t stop him from siding with Abbott and helping to cover up their bribes, even if the plan didn’t work out. While he seemed like a mere cog in Janine and Gregory’s Abbott Elementary love story, Manny ended up proving to be much more than this.

Manny Failed, But Abbott Elementary Still Needs To Bring Him Back More Frequently

Manny Couldn’t Save The Day In Abbott Elementary Season 4 Episode 18

Earlier in season 4, Manny was the one who first encouraged Ava to give a speech about her work as a principal, and he warned her that the district would be watching her closely after she generously donated Abbott's funding to under-resourced schools at the district budget meeting. As such, it was devastating when Ava not only lost her job in the episode’s ending, but Manny himself was the one forced to fire her.

Hopefully, Abbott Elementary season 4’s final episodes will find an excuse to bring back Manny as the sitcom sets up Ava’s return. Although Ava’s Abbott Elementary season 4 antics were almost guaranteed to get her caught eventually, Manny proved a surprisingly stable ally to the school when he helped hide their ill-gotten gains from the district. As Abbott Elementary season 4 wraps up, the unpredictable character should get another comeback to pay off his latest character development.

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